Unit information: Behavioural Sciences 1 in 2014/15

Unit name	Behavioural Sciences 1
Unit code	DENT10010
Credit points	10
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Miss. Sarah Bain
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Bristol Dental School
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

Communication skills are esential in the role of the DCP with regards to care of the patient and communication with other members of the dental team. This module equips the student with the tools to gain an understanding of the social and behavioural issues that influence dental health and disease, giving the student a sound basis for providing information and advice on the main aspects of oral health.

The student will be introduced to evidence-based research and learning.

The care of patients with special medical, dental, emotional and psychological needs will be incorporated into this module.

Aims:

• To enable students to be competent at using information technology

• To ensure students are competent at communication with patients, their families and carers and other members of the dental team

• To enable students to manage patients from different social and ethic backgrounds

• To allow students to be familiar with the social and psychological issues relevant to the care of patients.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Be competent in the use of information technology programmes: - word, excel PowerPoint and research links

• Have knowledge of the use of libraries and electronic resources for education and research use

• Have knowledge of communication with patients, other members of the dental team and other health professionals

• Have a knowledge of social, cultural and environmental factors that determine oral health and illness

• Have knowledge of the prevalence and distribution of certain dental conditions in the UK and the provision of dental services for a community, taking into account the changing demography of the population.

• Be familiar with the social and psychological issues relevant to the care of patients.

• Have knowledge of the role of the dental team in the facilitation, provision and care of patients

• Be familiar with an evidence based approach to treatment

Teaching Information

Lecture Small group teaching Independent study

Assessment Information

Students are assessed formatively with written assessments and are also required to deliver a presentation on the care of patients with differing special needs.

Summative assessments for this unit are included in the Oral and Dental Sciences exam.

Reading and References

Behavioural Sciences for Dentistry Gerry Hamphris, Margaret Ling ISBN: 0-44305-190 9

Health Promotion  Foundation for Practice Jennie Naidoo and Jane Wills ISBN: 07020 16802

Scientific basis of Health Education R S Levine ISBN: 07521 0560 4